Interview with IFBB Pro Mike Lynds

Interview with IFBB Pro Mike Lynds

IFBB Pro Mike Lynds turned pro after winning the overall title at the 2012 CBBF Elite 212 contest and since then has tested the pro waters once at the 2013 Toronto Pro 212 division. With his highly anticipated return to the stage in 2015, this dedicated family man, elegant poser and possessor of some of the biggest arms you’ll see on the 212 stage, Mike looks to make his presence felt the next time we see him gracefully flexing on the stage. TheGymLifestyle.com proudly introduces IFBB Pro, Mike Lynds.

Upcoming Contests:

2015: 2 shows, potentially Toronto Pro and New York Pro

Sponsors:

Mama T’s protein cookies

How did you get started with bodybuilding/fitness and training?

I actually started lifting weights to improve my football career. In doing so I met local bodybuilders and friends such as IFBB pro Santana Anderson, IFBB pro Bruce Patterson and many more. By meeting people like this and learning more about the sport I instantly fell in love with being able to push myself every day to the limits.

Where does your motivation come from?

I used to be one of those people who used others to motivate myself. I would look at pictures of fellow competitors but not anymore; I find it plays too much into mind games. And let’s face it; this sport is how good “you” show up, not the other person.

Now being a father and family man, I use the fact that when I push myself I’m bettering my body to play with my kids. However, when I diet for shows and I don’t perform to my best and better my last appearance, it’s more of a disappointment to myself and my family because I’m taking time away from them to concentrate on cardio, meal prep and training more intensely than in the off season.

What’s your current training philosophy?

Well I’ve done it all. High weight low reps, giant set training, rest pause, etc. Lately I’ve been back to basics. I still don’t count reps and I push it to the limit each session. I try not to play around with too many angles, as I did in the past and I utilize old school movements with new school volume. So I would have to say it’s a blend of multiple philosophies.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

I like doing legs twice per week. So my regular routine would consist of this:

Sun- quads/ calves

Mon- chest

Tues- back

Wed- shoulders

Thurs– hams/ calves

Fri- arms

Sat- rest and cheat meal

What does your diet consist of? – What would you eat on a typical day?

I’m in offseason right now so a typical day for me is this:

Breakfast

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup bran buds

65g shake

20g almonds/ coconut oil

Meal 2

7oz chicken

3/4cup rice or potato

1/2 cup broccoli or spinach

15g almonds or Natural PB

Meal 3

Same as 2 with Steak

Meal 4

Same as 2 with salmon

Meal 5

7oz chicken

1 cup spinach

1/2 P28 bagel with PB

Meal 6

1 cup of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese

Plus I have Mama T’s cookies every now and then to treat myself.

Do you stay lean all year round or do you bulk and cut?

I stay in a certain weight range in the off season. I wouldn’t say I’m lean but I don’t let myself go overboard.

What supplements do you use?

Allmax ISO natural

Allmax Aminocore

Glutamine

Omega 3

Co enzyme q10

Milk thistle

Calcium/ vitamin D

Arginine

Vitargo

If you had to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be?

This is a good question but hard to answer. I’d say I would have to go with:

Incline bench press

1 arm rows

Front squats

Three tips you’d give to someone who’s trying to reach their goal physique?

1. Plan it out and stick to your plan to the end. People’s biggest mistake is changing things before they see where they have gone wrong.2. Ensure to stretch and do all movements properly. Another common mistake is bad form combined with zero stretching; just an equation looking for an injury.3. Diet!! Anyone can be a champ in the gym but diet will always separate those who reach their goals from those who don’t.

Do you have any hobbies?

Just spending time with family. Pretty boring fella! I have a wife Ali who is a National level Bikini competitor, a 5 year old daughter Lilly and a 4 month old son Brody.

Favorite Quote

It’s one I live by:

“In everything we do always comes down to a choice. Doing the right one for you is always what makes or breaks the finish. No one forces anything on you. At the end of the day you make the choice to do it”

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